Milt Jackson Quintet - Just the Way It Had to Be

Just the Way It Had to Be is a live album by American jazz vibraphonist Milt Jacksonfeaturing performances recorded at Shelly's Manne Hole in 1969 for the Impulse!label.

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

Few surprises occur on this LP except perhaps for the inclusion of Eddie Harris's "Listen Here" but the music is quite likable, melodic and swinging (particularly for 1969) Vibraphonist Milt Jackson teams up with two veterans (tenor-saxophonist Teddy Edwards and bassist Ray Brown) and two up-and-coming youngsters (pianist Monty Alexander and drummer Dick Berk) for a live set that is highlighted by "If I Were a Bell" and "Bags' Groove." This set was recorded at the same engagement that resulted in That's The Way It Is; both enjoyable sets should be reissued on CD.